East Lyme - The Smith-Harris House has been selected to participate in StEPs-CT, a statewide, 26-month integrated program of professional development for smaller cultural organizations.

The program is based on the national Standards and Excellence Program of History Organizations. Since its debut in 2009, StEPs has helped 585 institutions nationwide, including 27 in the state.

The Smith-Harris House was one of 23 organizations accepted into the program. Support and training comes through curriculum-based workshops, coaching from a dedicated mentor and access to a Connecticut Humanities grant fund earmarked for initiatives related to achieving program standards. Over the course of the program, the Smith-Harris House will work to achieve certificates in six areas of museum practice.

StEPs-CT is a program of Connecticut Humanities and the Connecticut League of History Organizations, in partnership with the Connecticut Historical Society, based on a curriculum developed by the American Association for State and Local History.

"We're thrilled to participate in the StEPs-CT program," said curator Joanie DiMartino in a statement. "The Smith-Harris House is a valuable asset to the residents of East Lyme, and our involvement in StEPs-CT will help us continue to develop stronger ties with the community we serve which will also be in line with current museum practices."

The Smith-Harris House, a Greek Revival 1840s farmhouse, is owned by the town and operated by the Smith-Harris Commission and the Friends of Smith-Harris House. The Smith-Harris House is listed on the National Historic Register as the Thomas Avery House.

More information about Connecticut Humanities is available at www.cthumanities.org; about the Connecticut League of History Organizations at www.clho.org; and the Smith-Harris House at www.smithharris.org.